Apparatus and method for filling products in containers



w. MGK. MARTIN l2,667,424

APPARATUS AND METHOD FoR FILLING PRODUCTS 1N CONTAINERS 9 sheets-sheet 1 Jan. 26, 1954 Filed July 11, 1949 .Nemmw Jan. 26, 1954 w. MCK. MARTIN 2,667,424

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FILLING PRODUCTS IN CONTAINERS Filed July 11, 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. W/LL/AM MaK. MART/N ATTORNEY Jan. 26, 1954 Filed July l1. 1949 W. MCK. MARTIN APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FILLING PRODUCTS IN CONTAINERS y9 Sheets-Sheet 3 )NVENTolL W/LL/AM Mc/r. MART/lv .WM/yl@ ATTORNEY Jan. 26, 1954 w. MCK. MARTIN APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FILLING PRODUCTS IN CONTAINERS 9 sheets-sheet 4 -Filed July l1. 1949 INVENTOR.

'W/LL/M MCK. MART/N Y M ff@ ATTORNEY l//ff/ Jan. 26, 1954 w. MQK. MARTIN 2,667,424

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FILLING PRODUCTS IN CONTAINERS Filed July 11. 1949 f .9 sheets-sheet 5 W/LL/M MCK. MART/IV Jan. 26, 1954 w. MSK. MAR-HN APPARATUS ANDl METHOD FOR FILLING PRODUCTS IN CONTAINERS -9 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 11. 1949 .Q -mIHIH INVENTOR. W/LL/M MBK. MR//V A TTRNEY OOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ,Cf/,7 NQ :F \m\ E 5ST l m" @MY un@ w MN Jan. 26, 1954 W, MoK, MAR-HN A 2,667,424

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FILLING PRODUCTS IN CONTAINERS Filed July 11. 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet '7 INVENTOR. W/LL/M MCK, MART/N ATTORNEY Jan. 26, 1954 w. MCK. MARTIN I APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FILLING PRODUCTS IN CONTAINERS Filed Juy 11. 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 #S AS v I INVENTOR. W/LL/AM Mc/f. MART/N BY M ATTORNEY Jan. 26, 1954 -W. MCK. MARTIN APPARATUS AND METHOD F'OR FILLING PRODUCTS IN CONTAINERS 9 Sheng-sheet 9 Filed July 11. 1949 Patented Jan. 26, 1954 UNITED -`S TAT ES 2,667,424 APPRATU'SAND MTHQD FORFI'IJL'I'N'G PRODUCTS IN CONTATNERS William Martin, San Mateo, Gali, assigner to JamesY Dole Engineering Go., a corpo- Application July 41.1, 194s, serial No. :104,074

Claims. (o1. .e9-182) 1 This invention relates to the continuous filling Tof `'a product in containers, and rmore particularly to an improved method and apparatus foreflfooting iling of a sterile food product in the type with a sterile' product and sealing the product filled containers 'are conducted under sterile or aseptic conditions in a unitary self-containedapparatus at atmospheric pressure, vby steam superyheatedby auxiliary heating means to a sterilizing temperature above 212 F.; 'the auxiliary heating means providing a 'superheater which `imparts heat `energy to the steam in addition to the energy. imparted thereto by heat of vaporization as a result of mere genera-tion ofthe steam.

Summariz'ing this invention, it relates primarily to the filling section or zone of the describedv type of apparatus, which comprises an enclosure providing a .passageway unsealed to the atmosphere. Associated with the passageway is aspecial type of ycontinuous filler which yfeeds a continuous stream of the sterile product into containers which are continuously conveyed in a line, which may bearcuatelout `is preferably straight,

along or past the nller at such speed as to cause each container to be substantially completely lled as it passes by the ller; the containers being conveyed with a substantially continuous or uninterrupted motion, so that spillage. of the contents is obvi'ated which would otherwise result if the containers were held stationalyunder the filler during the filling operation, and consequently have to vbe moved after each Ifilling O'peration with the result that the entire line of 'containers would have to be moved with 'an interrupted motion.

Means associated with the container 'conveying means positions the containers in va 'predetermined relationship adapted rfor proper rilling thereof. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, can containers of the conventional type having outwardly extending anges at their mouths are shown; and timing means positions the cans in substantially contacting relationship with their iian'ges overlapping. Means is also Vassociated with the conveyingmeans to space the containers apart` after they are lled, to any predetermined v'spaced relationship adapted for feeding thereof 'with clinched `or sealed over Athe container flanges.

yTo maintain sterile conditions in thelling sec- 2 tion enclosure, it is subjected to steam which has been Vpreviously superheated by auxiliary heating means to a steri'lizing temperature materially above 212 F; at substantially atmospheric pressure for the purpose of sterilizing the containers and their `rcovers. In other words, the steam is :not saturated steam but is dry steam that vhas `additional or outside -heat imparted thereto besides-that resulting'merely from the heat of steam generation at any ygiven pressure. Superheating of the `steam is 'necessary because -at substantially atmospheric pressure, the steam could otherwise vnot be at a sufficiently high temperature alcove 212 F. to sterilize the containers yand the container covers within a time period practical for commercial operations.

Theisteam valso serves 'the function of providing `an air 4free atmosphere in the llingsection which isimportant yin preventing entrapment of air in the product as it is Yseing lled. For this purpose, any other inert atmosphere such as ynitrogen, vcould be employed if a product, such as oils,

to be lil-led, does not require sterile yfilling conditions; and in this connection, the nlling apparatus Ycan be employed vper se with advantageous results for the l-ling of such type of products that do not require sterile filling conditions. The sterile conditions are required for rood products such as'purees, various milk products, soups, baby foods, etc.

The nllerunit itself is 7of special design adapted Jfor the continuous lling of containers of various types which are moved therepast with a substantially uninterrupted motion. It is provided with an elongated discharge spout vhaving -a discharge opening longer than themouth of each 1 container whereby the :discharge opening `can always span the mouths of a plurality vof containers uas theyare moved past the ller. In the case of can containers having the usual -iianges 'at their open mouths, the product can be introduced into the containers Without spillage when 'the containers are moved past the ller 'with their franges overlapped Y'and at such speed relative thereto :as to canse each container to be substantially completely lled in its 'travel past Ythe fl-ller. in this connection, means, which may conveniently be a pump, is `provided for feeding the Y'product .to the ller at any .predetermined iixed quantity or volume per unit of time; so that the 'containers will he always filled to the same amount, the pumping capacity being adjustable in 'accordance with the vcontainer "size to'icontrol the quantity which may be supplied per unit-of time.

Liquids of various typ'eshave 'varying visc'osities accordance with the viscosity of the product to Y provide for even lling of the container.

From the preceding summary, it is seen that this invention has as its objects, among others, the provision of an improved and economical apparatus and method for the continuous nlling of containers at substantially atmospheric conditions and which are maintained sterile by steam superheated to a temperature above 212 F. at atmospheric pressure, thus eliminating expensive pressurized equipment and valve means heretofore required to maintain steam pressure in order that the steam could be at a suiliciently high sterilizing temperature above 212 F.; an improved and economical iilling mechanism and process per se adapted for the continuous lling of liquid products not requiring sterilizing, or sterile containers and covers; and an improved apparatus and process whereby the continuous lling is conducted in an air free atmosphere thus obviating the entrapment of air in the product. Other objects and further particulars of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description thereof in which reference to the drawings is made. In such drawings:

Fig. 1 is a schematic View of the entire system in which the filling apparatus and the process of this invention are particularly applicable;

Figs. 2a, 2b and 2c are, respectively, schematic views illustrating the effect of velocity of discharge of the product from the ller on evenness of the lling operation;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary plan view of the filling section of the apparatus, with the cover structure removed, and associated parts, illustrating the lling zone and timing mechanism associated therewith for positioning the containers in proper predetermined relationship; insulation and other parts of the structure being omitted from the view to illustrate more clearly the construction;

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3, schematically depicting the drive arrangement for the various parts;

Figs. 5a, 5b and 5c are enlarged horizontal sectional elevations of the portion of the mechanism illustrated in Fig. 3; the respective i'lgures when read together in the order indicated extending substantially the length of the structure shown in Fig. 3. In Figs. 5a, 5b and 5c, insulation and steam piping are shown;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged longitudinal vertical sectional view through the filler portion of the apparatus, illustrating particularly the ller mechanism and the manner in which open mouth con- Ventional can type containers are conveyed past the ller Fig. 7 is a transverse vertical section taken in planes indicated by the line 1 1 in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary section taken in a plane indicated by line 8 8 in Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the filler illustrating its mounting;

Fig. 10 is a side elevational view of the filler; Fig. 11 is a fragmentary sectional elevation` of the mechanism for spacing the containers apart in a predetermined relationship adapted for feed- 4 ing thereof to a can closing machine, not shown Fig. 12 is a section taken in planes indicated in the line |2--l2 in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a section taken in a plane indicated by the line l3-l 3 in Fig. 11.

As is described in the aforesaid Patent No. 2,549,216, the apparatus of this invention comprises a container sterilizer 3 (Fig. 1) which provides a container sterilizer zone or section, and which communicates with a product lling zone or section t in turn communicating with a container sealing section or zone 6 containing any suitable conventional container closing or capping machine. The container closing or sealing zone communicates also with a cover sterilizing zone or section l. All these inter-communicating sections are enclosed but theinter-communication between them is through valveless openings so that the entire interior of the apparatus is at substantially atmospheric pressure. Preferably, the containers are preheated before they are introduced into the sterilzer 3 in order to prepare the containers for sterilization, and thereby shorten somewhat the time of the sterilization treatment; and before preheating the containers, they are preferably washed and dried. For these purposes, a container washer @is provided which leads to a container drier 9, in turn connected to a container preheater Il. The containers are conducted in upright position through the apparatus by any suitable conveying mechanism, in a continuous line or path as is indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. l; and after the lids or covers have been sealed onto the containers by the closing machine, the sealed containers are discharged through discharge opening I2 which is unsealed to the atmosphere.

In order to maintain sterile conditions in the entire apparatus and at the same time provide for sterilization of the containers and the container covers, a scavenging gas such as steam is introduced at various points in the system. This flow of steam prevents inflow of outsidek air through the entrance and exit openings of the system and also any other openings which may exist. Sterilization of the containers and their covers is a function of both time and temperature; and if the steam were ordinary saturated steam introduced into the system directly from the boiler, without being superheated, it would not have a suliiciently high temperature to effect sterilization of the containers and the covers Within a short enough time period for rendering the system practical. This is overcome, however, by the means which is employed to superheat the steam to an adequate temperature above 212o F. at atmospheric pressure so as to eiect the sterilization Within a practical time limit. By super-heating the steam, additional heat or energy is applied thereto besides that resulting from the heat of vaporization imparted thereto by virtue of its generation.

In the aforementioned copending application, the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings employs a super-heater for the `'steam which is directly associated with the can .sterilizer section of the apparatus, but such application discloses that any suitable super-heater may be employed for super-heating the steam after it is generated in the boiler. In Fig. l, such type of auxiliary heating means or super-heater l 3 which may utilize any suitable heating means for super-heating the steam, such as gas or electrical means, is connected to the steam generator minute. steam so that i't-Wil-l have this temperature. The

or boiler'- -I by steam-piping i6* iii-Which is connected a suitable pressure reducing lvalve il.

' The super-heated steam is'--intr'oduced into the container 'steriliierf '1l-'by-y piping I8; into the product iilling sectionl-byspipin'g' {9v-and into the cover sterilized-r "il by piping 2l. Thefvalve il fredlics the pressure *0f4 the steam freni that of boiler pressure to a pressure not excessivelyv above atmospheric pressure and-preferably so that the steams- 'nozzle pressureis seiiieien-tlylow to pro- Vide a pressure yin the system directlyv after introduction of th' Steam yinte the System: of'just slightly aboveatinosphricprejss fer-example, a fev'v hundredths of abound; provides a steady flow of siieair'i fromY all 'ope igs in the container-'sterilized 'and thef'reifnainder of the apparatus, solas to ins't're that theappa-ratus is maintained full at-all '-tifnes 'with flowingsteam as it escapes through fthe open-ings and prevents the entrance lof o'iitsidebacteria laden air into the apparatus. However, 'the steam-caribe introduced into the appaifatiisat-a-noz2le pressure of substantially Vatrnespherie pressure because the injection velocity thereof Will` lprtnvide the necessary factor in keeping .the-'air out by the lflowing steam. Ejection of 'the' sup'ereheated steam' into the apparatus '.atnoa'zl'e. pressures excessively higher thanv atmospheric pressure is undesirable lbecausel this might causey the containers to be blown over as they aree'orveyed 'through the apparatus.

As previously explained, the steril-ization vof the containers and their covers-is a function of both time-and temperaturefthe higher the temperature, the lesserl the time lrequired to insure steril-ization` `of thecontainers and their covers against allv bacteria. l-l-lowever, it is desirable that the containers-*and .their covers travel through the Ycontainer ste'rilizer and the cover' sterili'zer` as fast as is practically possible to .provide for minimum length-of tireapparatus,A and yet enable suiciently-rapi'd steril-ization 'of these parts for economy of operation :and output capacity. Under V'most conduitionsf a temperature of about 350 F. to' 500 E vvlill eect thorough sterilization of the containers [in -the container sterilizer when the time of travel of the containers therethrough is 'about' 30 seconds to l Hence, the super-heater v:heats the saine is true f'or the coter sterilizer.

Any suitable sterilizing 'eii'ec't be obtained by adjustment lof 'thefrate of travel of the containers in accordance with the' particular. steam temperature above -212\F. in the system. In order that the sterilization of. the containers and their coversmay VVbe -eieeted Within a practical time -limit for commercial operations, 'the steam should be super-heated'so that it Will have a temperature of lat least 325A 1T'.Y at atmospheric i pressure and thus maintain the container sterilizer and the cover 'sterilizer sections at this temperature -orabove. The maximum tem-per- 'ature ofthe steam is not'particularly critical, ex-

cept insofar .as it may have *.-detrinientai effects?` in the containers 'and their covers should the temperature be too high.

The product to be packed in the containers `must be sterilewhen it isI introduced into the containers. For effecting such sterilization, a,I so-called "flash sterilization system, which is well .known in the art for the sterilization of fluid products, is employed. which .enablesthe product to be. rapidly sterilized. Such system is illus- 1 trated schematically, in Fg. :i and includes .ya

6` heater 22 which is maintained at suchhightemperatur'e as to sterilize the product -rapidly'-the heater being connected to a vproduct supply tank 23 by piping 24. A3-way'valve126 isconnected in piping 24 and to a-water inlet line-Triana purpose to be subsequently explained. yAlsconnected in line 2e isfawso-called constant-volumetric discharge pump-'ZB which provides; means for supplying a hiredifiredeterminedcu-antityor` volume of 'the product per unit of time; Ythis quantity being re'gulatable at willf'by meansl of variable speedm'otor' 29 connected1 toidrive1 the pump.

Heater e2 is connected 'to-af so-'called holder 3 I Where the teinpeiatureis ymaintained for asicient length of time tio-complete the sterilization; and holder 3i is connected to a cooler `32 wherein the sterilized product is-chilled lor cooled. The cooled sterile product is conducted -fromcoo1er132 by piping 33 connected' in turn to the viillerffunit te mounted on top of the product iilling section c and which suppiiesla continuousstreamcithe product into the containers; thelconstruction-and operation of which will be described hereinafter in detail.

Connected `to piping 33 is pipingeS-'icr Yconducting super-heatedsteam to sterilize the iiller in a mannerwhich willalsobedescribedfhereinafter; a hand operable-valve?! being provided-'in piping 3e. Another hand operablevalv-B' is provided in piping '33 'above alovver branch thereof shown in Fig. 1; anda pressure reliei-valve-SB which, for example, is *seti to bypass at apressure of about 100 kaper-square inch, isp-ositioned to by-pass liquid from piping 33 through outlet piping 49 whichis adaptedMto-fpro'videa hot sterilizing water outlet. Valve 39 is f connected in piping di! vdirectly-.at.thezipoint.where such piping communicates vWith piping-:.SB-put :in the schematic draWin-gof .1,: the-.valve-is shown spaced from this point for clarity of illustration. The piping and valvefarrangemehtsre for the purpose of `permitting thorough sterilization of the filler unit 34 when: the apparatus is set in operation, and will bedescribedzmore ful-ly hereinafter.

From the preceding, itis seen thata continuous line of containers is conveyed continuouslywi-th a substantially .uninterrupted motionthrough the product filling section having Vmounted-'on the top thereof the filler unit 34. Such product lling section is connected between the-container sterilizer 3 and the closing machine `(i. -Reference is now .made torFigs. 3,'4,.5a, 5b and Beier a more detaileddescription of the Vproduct lling section.

r)The product filling section, a-'s w-cll as the .iemainder of the apparatus, is provided With insulated walls ii (not shown in Figs. 3 and 4.). At its left end with reference to-Fig. 5a, the enclosure which forms the product lling'zoneqolvsection e is connected at 42 to ythe container-sterilizer discharge passage d'3; the containers 44 (shown in phantom lines) V.being conducted through the container sterilizer by means, .of-a continuously moving cable 4S `upon which the containers are supported and Whichpassesabout wheel di which is shown 'broken in Fig. 5a. to conserve space. Substantally'at the point` where conveying cable d6 makes its turn, suitable swinging guides 48, Well known Yin can transferring mechanism, are provided to eii'ecttransfer-of the containers 443 from cableltl onto a continuously running endless conveyorchain 49. this connection, it will be noted thatthe arrfangement of the guides 48 is such as to enable the containers to be shunted away from conveyor chain 49, in case it is desired to by-pass the product ,filling zone should emergency conditions arise Vduring operation necessitating this by-pass.

Chain 49 has its upper reach supported on a suitable guide rail l, and passes over sprocket 52 at one end; the vsprocket being mounted on a shaft 53 positioned in conventional adjustable bearings 54. At its oppositev end, endless chain 49 passes over a sprocket 56 positioned under a rotatable star wheel 51. The continuously moving chain 49 carries the containers onto a supporting plate 58 extending to the left of star wheel 5?; and when the containers become engaged in pockets 51' of the star wheel, they are conducted by the star wheel along plate 58 to continuously running endless conveying mechanism 59; anfarcuate guide 6I being provided between conveying mechanism 59 and conveyor chain 49 to guide the containers in the proper direction as they are transferred by star wheel 5T.

The size and spacing of pockets 51 of the star wheel are such as to position the containers substantially contiguously with their iianges 44 in overlapping relationship, as is shown more -clearly in Fig. 6. In this connection, a set of star wheels is provided having the proper pocket sizes and spacing therebetween for the varying standard size containers; and the star wheel is removably mounted to enable ready replacement in accordance with the container size being handled. Star wheel 57, thus, provides timing means associated with conveying mechanism 99 to position the containers thereon in a predetermined relationship adapted for most eiiicient iilling.

Conveying mechanism 59 comprises a pair of .laterally spaced endlesschains, the upper reaches of which are supported on rails 69, and which are moved with a smooth substantially uninterrupted or continuous motion. They support the containers for movement between suitable vertically and laterally adjustable guide rails 62 positioned at the sides of conveyor 59 and along associated conveying mechanism to be described, to accommodate various heights and widths of containers; the left ends of the endless chains with reference to Fig. 5a passing over sprockets '63 accommodated in recesses 9s formed in supporting plate 58.

Filler unit 34 is positioned directly over conveying mechanism 59 as can be seen best from Figs. 6 and 7; and as the containers are conducted past the filler which discharges a continuous stream of sterile product, the containers become filled. The conveying mechanism 59 is continuously moved at such speed with reference to the filler as to cause each container to become substantially completely lled in its travel past the filler. With can type containers, since the containers are positioned upright on the conveying mechanism with their anges adja- Ycent their open mouths in overlapping relation- VSChemtti(Zally in Fig. 1'.

.the dischargev end ofconveyor 59 for spacing the containers apart in a predetermined rela,- tionshipV for feeding thereof to the closing-machine. Such type of vmechanism is well known and comprises an accelerating endless chain conveyor 66 having its upper reach supported on rail 81, and passing around -a sprocket 68 positioned between right hand sprockets 99 for the chains of conveying mechanism 59; the sprockets 98 and 69 being mounted on suitable shafting 1l. Conveyor 66 moves at a faster speed than conveyor 59 to effect separation or spacing apart of the containers; the actual xing of the spacing being effected by a rotating Aworm cylinder 'i2 havingv a worm 13, the pitch or lead of which increases to the proper extent from adjacent the discharge end of the conveying mechanism 59 to the discharge end of the worm. As is well known in mechanism of this type, the worm 13 effects the actual predetermined spacing `between the containers while the accelerating chain BS causes the containers to be held against the ights of worm 13 to fix such spacing.

Adjacent the discharge end of the worm 13 is another endless conveyor 14,. the upper reach of which is supported on rail 16, and which has upwardly projecting properly spaced apart lugs 17 (Figs. 5b, 5c, 11 and l2) for engaging the containers and moving them in predetermined spaced apart relationship. In this connection, the worm 13 is timed with the lugs 'I'I on conveyor 14,'as is well known in this type of mechanism, to eect smooth transfer of the containers to chain conveyor i4. Conveyor chain 14 engages sprocket 'i8 at its left end and overlaps the discharge end of conveyor chain 69 to provide for ready transfer of containers between these chains, the discharge end of chain 88 passing over sprocket '19. The right hand end Yof chain 74 passes over sprocket 8l. Rail support 9,2 is provided adjacent conveyor I4 to support the containers as they are carried along by engagement with the lugs 11 on conveyor '54. Lugs Y'Vl are provided on conveyor 'i4 Vto insure that the containers will be conducted to the closing machine in proper spaced relationship, without slippage.

After the containers leave conveyor 14 they are supported on spaced plates 83 providing a groove 83 therebetween, and are carried along by endless chain conveyor mechanism 86 having laterally extending lugs' 87 engaging the containers; the lugs 81 having downwardly extending prongs 81 guided in groove 83. Conveyor mechanism forms the conveyor for the can closing machine and conducts the containers into the can closing machine not shownexcept The left end of conveyor mechanism 88 engages sprocket 38.

With reference to Fig. 1v1, it will be noted that the worm cylinder 'I2 is journalled for rotation in a pair of spaced brackets 9|, the left hand one of which is pivoted on a pivot pin 92V, and

the right hand one of which is pivoted in a bracket 95 formed of two y anglesV secured together by cap screws 95', for rotation about shaft 93 of bevel drive gear 94. The brackets 9| are fixedly spaced apartl at their upper ends by tie rod 96 rdetachably secured to the brackets. Shaft 93 carries apinion '91 meshing with an idler gear 98 in turn meshing with a gear 99 xedly secured for rotation with .worm cylinder 'I2 so that the latter may be rotated about its axis.

By the described mounting of the worm cylinder, it will be noted that it can be laterally adjustedto position, it properly in accordance with f the-diameter of the containers, and can bese cured in adjusted positicnby clamping rod 9S to spacedA clamping plates the clamping plates having arcuate slots iid in which the rod can move. At the same time a drive can be transmitted to the worm in any adjusted position thereof. It is to be understood that a diiferent pitch or lead worm is required for each diierent size container; and a removable mounting of the worm cylinder is provided to enable ready interchangeaoility so that the proper worm may be employed, as is well known with this type of mechanism. Such removable mounting cornprises a shaft |0I upon which worm cylinder l2 is removably xed by' set screws lliI; shaft it! being removable endwise from the left bracket 9| upon loosening of the set screws.

The entire drive for the mechanism can be suppliedv from any suitable source of power. Since the canclosing machine is driven, the drive maybe taken off therefrom at any suitable location. The drive for bevel gear 9d for turning the Worin is through bevel gear HB2 meshing with gear '94, and which is mounted on shaft |63.

With reference to Fig. 3, and also Fig. 4 which illustrates the driving connections in phantom lines,;it `will be noted that the drive to star wheel 5l is through shafting Hill connected to suitable speedvv reducing mechanism in box itt. The drive tov the filler conveyor 59 is ultimately through chain drive |91 connected to a sprocket housed in box |08 (Fig. 4); the driving of conveyor lil being taken from conveyor 59 through shaftl. Accelerator conveyor 66 and worm cylinder 12 are driven from sprocket it@ connected `to chain |ll9'; and the drive to lug conveyor 14 is through. chain drive it connected to sprocket HQ.. The can closing machine lug conveyor 86 is drivenfrom the can closing machine itself. The particular form of the driving mechanisml forms no part of the instant invention as any suitable drivingmeans can be employed, as is well known in container transferring and conveying mechanism of the type embodied in this invention. Hence, it is unnecessary to describe'the same in further detail.

Reference is now made to Figs. 6 through l0 for a description cf a preferred type of iiller ernbodied in the filling section .li of the apparatus. As was previously mentioned, the lling section as well as the vremainder of the apparatus are provided with insulated walls Il! so as to mann tain heat therein. Perforated steam distributing piping l extends along the inside of the apW paratus for the introduction of the superheated steam therein, and is supported on suitable brackets H2. The bottom of the filler section is provided with a sump portion H3 to gather any of the product which may spill or overflow from the containers as they are being filled; and as such product collects in sump i i3 it ows out through goose neck trap ilfl in which a level ot the product is maintained, thereby forming a seal and preventing entrance of air borne bacteria through the trap. A vent H5 is provided adjacent the trap to prevent siphoning. Such drainage product may be collected and can be conducted back to the product supply tank 2t shown in Fig. 1.

The ller is in the form of an elongated casing I1 formed of parts detachably clamped together. One for fthese 4parts is al substantiallyl semi-cylin= drical reservoir H8 having atits lower end a ange |9 secured-'thereto and which is provided withl a nat machined under-face. A. groove |2| is formed in such machined -face yof the frange, which substantially completelyl encircle's the casing; the end portions of the groove being closed and close together as can be seen best from Fig. 9 and being connected to pipes |22 for a purpose whichv will be described. The other part of the casing'comprises a base piate |23 having a nat machined upper iace to which flange |49 is detachably` clamped `by means of clamping lugs |24 engaging ange lit and a spacer platey |25 extending alongl each vside of base plate |23. Screws |27 extending through clamping lugs |24 and screwed into base-plate |23-provide attachingv means for effecting the clamping; The ydescribed arrangement permits the parts to be readily detached for cleaning when this is desired.; and when the parts are clamped together a. good seal obtains therebetween because ofthe machining of the cooperating kfaces on 'flange H9 and plate V23.

Secured to the underside of base plate |23 :by

any suitable means.; such as` welding, is an elongated discharge spout |28 extending the entire Vlength of the filler and which has anl elon.- gatedv product discharge opening |29 therein. Because of the elongated character or the discharge opening, it will be noted with reference to Fig. 6 that it can'span the mouths of the plurality ofV containers'wh'ich are moved past the l'ler. longitudinally extending cylindrical passage |31 in which is slidably mounted a slide valve rod |32 which when adjusted longitudinally of the nller provides means for adjusting the .cross sectional areaof the discharge opening or spout.; the reason for which willY be explained'hereinafter.y A shroud; |33`is preferably secured to base plate |23 and to the sides of spout l|28 ad jacent itsdischarge'end, and insulating material |34 is preferably enclosed'between the shroudy and the base-plate to maintain heat in the product iillingzone, `and preclude condensation of the super-heated steamin the iiller.

At the top; reservoir H9 is provided with a product inlet connecting tube |35 for introduction of thesterile product into the Vstiller through the previouslyy mentioned piping te which is detachably connected to tube |36 by a detachable coupling |31. if the product were allowed to now directly trom-'inlet tube `i3d to the `elongated discharge opening |29,- it might not distribute itself uniformly over the length of such elongated discharge opening. .iE-lence, baille means is provided'in iiller reservoir v| I8 to cause the stream of product to have a smooth and even flow in the form ofv a sheet over the entire effective lengthof discharge opening |29 of the nller spout. Suchrbaliie comprises 1a removably mounted elongated lsubstantially cylindrical chamber |33 `which is provided fat-its top with a product inlet tube |39 removably telescoped within inlet tube |36.'

Battle chamber |38. is of lesser diameter than the inside` of the ller casing and is provided with substantially circular spacer and centering flanges lili at its ends for positioning of the bale so as tov provide an annular passage 'M2 ab-out the baie. Also, the ends H13 of the bailiel are spaced fromy the ends of ller reservoir H8 by means of spacing lugs |44. As can be seen more clearly from Figs. 6 and 7, a plurality of apertures |46 are provided along the entire length'of'the upper-.portion iof'the'bailiechamber, to allow outilow of the productv enterngtherein. Because of annular passage l|42 .andthe described apertures Discharge opening' |29 is formed vwith al ller spout but must ow out through the apertures m6 and around' the outside of baffle |38.Y

Consequently, it will be forced to now out in a uniform sheet along the entire length of filler spout opening |29. Since baffle chamber |38 is removably mounted in the ller reservoir, it can be readily cleaned when desired after detachment of base plate 123 from the reservoir |18.

With reference to Figs. 6, 7 and 9, it will be noted that the ller is detachably mounted in the top or cover portion of the product filling zone enclosure portion li; and this portion is vertically adjustable so as to enable the discharge end of the ller spout discharge opening |29 to be positioned close to the top of the containers to be filled as various size containers are run through the apparatus. In the remainder of the apparatus, such vertical adjustment of the top is not necessary because sufficient head space is provided to accommodate the highest commercial size containers which are generally utilized. In this connection, such head space is provided over the containers throughout the entire apparatus, thus obviating the possibility of the container tops striking the top of the enclosures and becoming damaged, knocked over, or jamming the conveyors.

The vertically adjustable portion includes insulated side walls |51, the lower ends of which are slidably mounted in recesses |52 in insulated shroud portion 153 xedly secured to the side walls |54 of the enclosure. Screws 15B are provided in walls |54 and are adapted to screw into any one of a plurality of screw threaded apertures |51 vertically positioned in the inside sheets |58 of side walls |51. It isto be understood that the adjusting screws |56 yand corresponding apertures |51 are provided at spaced points longitudinally of the filler section to xedly secure the same when an adjustment is made. Access for effecting the adjustment is conveniently accomplished by a removable connection of insulated cover part |553 through hinge connection 16| which enables the'cover |59 to be readily opened or closed., Cover |59 is provided with an elongated rectangularly shaped opening |62 for accommodating the entire filler casing |11. For this purpose, it will be noted from Figs. 6, 9 and l that the ends of the filler are provided with spaced ears |63 adapted to receive cap screws |611' for connection in the end walls of opening An upright handle |65 is secured to the right hand end of valve rod 32 appearing in Figs. 6 and 10 to provide a means for moving valve |32 longitudinally for adjustment of the cross sectional area of the ller spout discharge opening |23. To accommodate handle |66 and valve rod |32 for any adjusted position thereof, it will be noted from Figs. 6 and 9 that the portion of cover S adjacent the right hand end of the filler is provided with a relatively narrow elongated recess 16! to allow handle |56 to be moved to the right of the ller a distance substantially the length of the valve rod for full opening of the ller discharge opening 1 29. For holding handle |55 upright, it will be noted from Figs. 6 and 8 that a cross member |68 is provided adjacent the lower end of the handle, the ends of which are guided underneath guide railsv |69, thus preventwherein a sterile product islled in sterileA coni'` tainers in a sterile atmosphere, the containers having been sterilized rapidly by superheated steam at atmospheric pressure, has general ap` plicability for the continuous filling of any type; of oWable or liquid product,besides food products. Since the containers are positioned on filler conveyor 5s with their flanges all in over-- lapping relationship, substantially no spilling will occur as the containers are moved past the ller spout or discharge opening because the product is directed by the ller in a very narrow stream or` sheet over the overlapped portions of the container anges. Because the containers are moved continuously past the filler with a substantially uninterrupted or steady motion, the. contents of the containers will not spill after the containers have been lled which would otherwise be the case with respect to filling operations where the containers are moved 'with`v a marked intermittent motion in order to hold them stationary during the actual filling. In the` pletely lled with the product as it passes by theY filler. .in this connection, when the apparatus is started up for any particular type of product, regulation may be readily obtained for obtaining the desired complete filling either by varying the speed of operation of the discharge pump through variable speed motor 29 or by adjusting the speed of the conveyor mechanism or both.I

For any given regulation 'of the pump "or equivalent product feeding means, a fixed quantity of the product will discharge from the filler per unit of time irrespective of the cross sectional area of the filler discharge opening |29 as regulated by valve rod 132. Such adjustment of the cross sectional area of the ller discharge opening has the sole effect of merely changing the velocity at which the product is discharged. Such regulation of the velocity of discharge of the product is important for the following reasons, and reference is made to schematicligs.

2a, 2b and 2c for an explanation. Diierent typ-ers' of product such as soups, milk products, oils,

purees, etc. have varying viscosities; and the viscosity has a material ei'ect on the piling up characteristics of the productas it enters theV container. Fig. 2a illustrates a condition Where the velocity of discharge for a relatively viscous product may be too low.

leaving a void around the circumference of the wall of the container. As a result of such piling up of the product it may project above the top of the containers and spillage may occur as the projecting product strikes the filler spout.

Fig. 2b illustrates a condition where the velocity of the discharge is .too high. The momentum of the product leaving the discharge opening at such high velocity causes it to be deflected laterally and upwardly outof the container. In this instance, the behavior -of vthe product is similar to that which can be observed when an empty drinking glass is held under a faucet andi- It will be noted that the product piles up in the vcenter of the container.

'13 the "waterturnedon quicklyat too high a prese sure.

Fig. 2cshows thecondition of filling with a proper `velocity ofthe product in relation to its viscosityxor"consistency in which the momentum of the product is Yjustsuiiicient to prevent;y the piling up effect shown in Fig. 2a or the deflecting eiect shown in'Fig.l 2b,'to thus Aprovideeven filling ofthe product in' each contamer. These variations in the piling; upV effect resulting from differences in. viscosity or vconsistencyY of the product to be filled, can be'overcome-to produce theideal effect'illustrated in Fig. 2c by mere adjustment of velocity ofv the discharger` of the product throughadjustment of theicross'sectional area of .the `filler discharge opening 29. In this connection, it will be recalled that'l since the con-l tainers are Yfed a constant volume ofthe product per unit. of time,` the-"container contents Will always be the same forauy vgiven regulation irrespective of regulation. of "velocity of dischargeof the product.

Operation-umbria Yprocessing; system.-n .the canning of. sterile foodproducts rendered sterile by` the previously described flash sterilization'system, thelcontainers themselves are sterilized, the container coversV are sterilized and all other operations are conducted under sterile conditions at substantially atmospheric pressure .byvrtue of the auxiliary heating meanswhich is provided to superheat the steam, namely, touimpart additional heat thereto other than it' would' have. at atmospheric pressure merely by virtue of the .heat o vaporization resulting from generation ci the-steam in the boiler. By provdingfth'e superheating means, any suitable .sterilizing temperature may be obtained depending upon the additionalamount of. heat imparted to the steam, so as to enable all of the operations to be conducted rela-tively fast. In this connection,it is to be noted .that since the steam is injected into the system at a pressure not excessively7 above atmospheric pressure, there is no danger of knocking over. containers which would otherwise result from injecting steam into f the system at relatively. high pressures.

In starting up the system for the aseptic process,` it is desirable that the ller itself be sterile. Otherwise .contamination of some oi the containers might occur even though they and the product have been previously sterilized.y Sterilization of the nller can be conveniently obtained by the folilovvingwprocedure. Before running the product through the system from product supply tank 23, hotsterilizing water under pressure may be run through, at a suitable temperature of, say, about 300" 1i". for about l0 minutesby openingl 3-way valve 2G to the sterilizing water inlet pipe 2l into which the sterilizing water is fed from any suit.- ablesource; having valve 3'! closed, valve 3S open, and valve rod 1320i' the filler open only a slight extent to allow flow oi' the sterilizing` water through the ller but at the same time provide suiiicient back pressure to maintain the water at the sterilizing temperature. In this connection, the usual cooling water supply to cooler 32 is shut off while the hot sterilizing Water is run therethrough. The automatic by-pass valve 39, which is set to by-pass at a pressure of about 100 lbs. per sq. in., will allow discharge of the Water from the system. With this circuit of operation, the system including the i'lash sterilization portion and the piping 33 up to the filler will become thoroughly sterilized.

By sterilizing the filler, particularly the portion which are belovv` valve rod H2, valve 3B; is closed: and valve 3? is opened, Whilerat the same time-thefcirculaa tion of the hotsterilizngwater is continued tov maintain the system ahead of valve 38fsterile. Also, valve rod 32 is opened to its fullest extent;

and superheated steam which may be at anyy suitable temperaturefpreferably above 325 F. is`

introduced into piping 3e whereupon complete sterilization of the iiller is eiected.

When thewller` is-` completely sterilized which.

may take a period of 5 or 10 minutes for precau-v tionary'measures, depending on the temperature` of' the superheated steam, valve 31 is closed and` valve 38y is openedy and the cooling water for cooler' 32- is turned on; and the productv is then supplied. in place of the sterihzing water by manipulation of 3wayvalve 2.6. For a short time water will be. dischargedbut soon thereaftenthe prod-- uct. sterilized in heater 22 will begin. to flowfrom the filler.

Sterile filler` seele-To insure against possible contamination of the ller itself during operation.l

or" the system, a sterile-seal is maintained between the. detachable parts of. which the ller. is .com posed by introducing steam, which may be ordi? nary saturated boiler steam,v into sealing groove l2! through. one ofpipes I22'connected at one end of thesealing groove. A valve I'Hr iscon,-.

nectedin: the otherpipelZZ at `the other end. ofA the sealing. groovek and-is maintained only; slightly,

open when steam isrst introduced-'into groove 42S todischarge steamcondensateg. thus insuring a sterilizing: temperature.corresponding to `that of the steam: boilerv pressureiy Because .sealing groove=1=`2t substantially scomplete'ly! encircles' the junction between the detach.- abl'eparts of the. filler, the steam heats suchjunctionand adjacent partsto asterilizing temperature. Since, as is shown more clearly fromzFig. 9, the 'endsof the sealing. groove Varev positioned closely together, the heat of the steam, willsterilze the short portion of the .junctioniwhich isnot actually sealed bythe. steam.V After` maintaining the'boiler; steam.l in groove1i2l atla.- sterilizing temperature for a'suit'able time of. approximately.

10 minutes, valve Ill is closed Whereuponsterile steam A.condensate accumulates in the groovethus maintainingasteri-le pressure barrier at the juncf tion lbetween the detachableparts of the ller, whereupon'the sterile product can be run through the filler.

The filling 4in the atmosphere of superheated.

steam which results in anA atmosphere free of air also provides adecided advantage even though aseptic Allingconditionsmay not be required, because yin rmany products, .even thoughsterile conditions may not-be necessary,v it is desirable to exclude .atmospheric oxygen as ithas a detrimental. effect on the color, :davor and vitamins..

Also, if air Were present, it would become entrapped in .the containers which frequentlyresults in corrosion of plate containers; and with respect to glass containers corrosion of the caps may occur. In addition, in some lid sealing operations, the increased vacuum which occurs upon condensation of the steam in the product, is advantageous. Another important desirable factor in lling in an inert steam atmosphere is that by avoiding entrapment of air, voids are dentely ohviated in the product. Any voids which may be formed by entrapment of steam Will disappear upon condensation of the steam which will occur in a short time and result in collapse of the product over the voids after the containers have been sealed in the normal course of events. For these reasons, the filling in an air free atmosphere `is` ,stream overlapping the container fianges, and

continuouslymoving the containers past said stream with their ianges thus overlapped and with a substantially uninterruptedl motion' at such speedrelative to said'stream as to cause the containers to be substantially uniformly filled in their travel past said stream.

2. The method of continuously filling a pumpable product in containers of the type having outwardly extending iianges at their open mouths which comprises effecting continuous un interrupted flow discharge of a bodily fixed stream of the product at a fixed zone and at a predetermined fixed quantity per unit of time, moving a line of said containers toward said stream, prior to arrival of the containers at said stream overlapping the container anges, continuously moving the containers past said stream with their flanges thus overlapped and with a substantially uninterrupted motion at such speed relative to said stream as to cause the containers to be substantially uniformly filled in their travel past said stream, and fixing the velocity fiovv of said stream by the cross sectional area of said stream to effect even filling of the product in said containers.

3. The method of claim 2 in which the product is a sterile food product and the filling of the containers is effected inV an enclosed Zone unsealed to the atmosphere whereby said Zone Vis at substantially atmospheric pressure, and a substantially sterile atmosphere is maintained in said zone.

4. Apparatus Vfor continuously filling a pumpe able product in containers of the type having outwardly extending flanges at their open mouths l which comprises .means Vfor effecting continuous uninterrupted flow discharge of a bodily fixed stream of the product from a discharge opening at a fixed station, said means including a substantially constant volumetric discharge pump for feeding a predetermined `fixed quantity of the product per unit of time,

means for continuously moving a line of said containers toward said stream, means for overlapping the container flanges prior to arrival ofthe containers at said stream and While the adjacent containers having their fianges overlapped are in motion, and means for continuously moving the containers past said stream with their flanges thus overlapped and with a sub stantially uninterrupted motion at Such speed relative to said stream as to cause the containers to be substantially uniformly filled in their travel past said stream.

5. Apparatus for continuously filling a pumpable product in containers of the type having outwardly extending flanges at their open mouths which comprises means for effecting continuous uninterrupted fioW discharge of a bodily fixed stream of the product from al discharge opening at a fixed station, said means including a substantially constant volumetric discharge pump for feeding a predetermined iixed quantity of the product per unit of time; means for continuously movinga line of said containers tov/ard said stream, means for overlapping the container flanges prior to arrival ofy the container at said stream and While the adjacent containers having their flanges overlap-1 pcd are in motion, and means for continuously moving the containers past said stream with their flanges thus overlapped and with a substantially uninterrupted motion at such speed relative to said stream as to cause the containers to be substantially uniformly filled in their travel past said stream, and means for fixing the velocity flow of said stream by the cross sectional area of said opening to effect even filling of the product in said containers.

WILLIAM MCK. MARTIN.

Number Name Date 14,703 Risher Apr. 15, 1856 22,339 Badger Dec. 21, 1858 241,924 BusWell May 24, 1881 442,766 Brennan Dec. 16, 1890 625,596 Payne May 23, 1899 1,075,534 Ash Oct. 14, 1913 1,260,636 Campbell et al. Mar. 26, 1918 1,270,798 Dunkley July 2, 1918 1,346,613 Taliaferro et al. July 13 1920 1,420,222 Schmidt June 20, 1922 1,770,380 Young July 15, 1930 1,894,867 Hoffman Jan. l7, 1933 1,396,210 Vogt VFeb. 7, 1933 1,919,155 Ayars July 18, 1933 1,959,937 Thatcher May 22, 1934 2,188,306 Murch Jan. 30, 1940 2,209,315 Ball July 30, 1940 2,315,932 Burt et al Apr. 6, 1943 2,340,637 Bauer Feb. 1, 1944v 2,380,984 Moeller Aug. 7, 1945 2,439,773 Hohl et al Apr. 13, 1948 2,441,774 ShaW et al May 18, 1948 2,486,200 OConnor Oct. 25, 1949 2,549,216 Martin Apr. 17, 1951- 

1. THE METHOD OF CONTINUOUSLY FILLING A PUMPABLE PRODUCT IN CONTAINERS OF THE TYPE HAVING OUTWARDLY EXTENDING FLANGES AT THEIR OPEN MOUTHS WHICH COMPRISES EFFECTING CONTINUOUS UNINTERRUPTED FLOW DISCHARGE OF A BODILY FIXED STREAM OF THE PRODUCT AT A FIXED ZONE, AND AT A PREDETERMINED FIXED QUANTITY PER UNIT OF TIME, MOVING A LINE OF SAID CONTAINERS TOWARD SAID STREAM, PRIOR TO ARRIVAL OF THE CONTAINERS AT SAID STREAM OVERLAPPING THE CONTAINER FLANGES, AND CONTINUOUSLY MOVING THE CONTAINERS PAST SAID STREAM WITH THEIR FLANGES THUS OVERLAPPED AND WITH A SUBSTANTIALLY UNINTERRUPTED MOTION AT SUCH SPEED RELATIVE TO SAID STEAM AS TO CAUSE THE CONTAINERS TO BE SUBSTANTIALLY UNIFORMLY FILLED IN THEIR TRAVEL PAST SAID STREAM. 